“Awake!” she cried.
Immediately, as if she had only waited for the word, the Queen opened her eyes, and saw with astonishment and amaze the evil triumph written upon the face of the Earth Fairy. Instantly she started from her pillows, and glanced in the direction of the cradle. She saw that it was empty, and saw the tiny white flame flickering where the little Princess had been. Then her eyes fell upon the bundle of wands, and she knew what had been done to her helpless child.
She gave a great cry that rang through the room. Grey Smoke, hurrying down the palace hall, heard it and hastened still faster. Without waiting to knock, without even trying the door, she wound herself like a thin gray thread through the keyhole, was on the other side of the door in a moment, and stood beside her mistress in her own shape.
The Queen lay back among her satin pillows, quite without life. Grief at that what had happened to her beloved child had broken her heart.
The Earth Fairy and her wands were nowhere to be seen, for as soon as the Queen had cried out, she had made haste to escape by another door that led to a distant part of the palace.
Grey Smoke was filled with horror at what she saw. At first she was unable to move, or even to think. But she recovered herself quickly. Something must be done. She rushed to the door, tore it open, and called aloud for help.
Spark, who was lingering in the hall, came at once, eager to learn what she had discovered, but his grandmother’s face showed him that it was no time for questions.
“Go quickly, Spark,” commanded she. “Bring every fairy in the palace. Something terrible has happened. Bring everyone, but especially the Earth Fairy; on no account must she be allowed to escape.”
Away flashed Spark in hot haste, and did his errand so well, that presently the bedroom of the Queen was filled with anxious fairies. Under the direction of old Grey Smoke, everything known to fairy lore was done to revive Queen Glow, but nothing was of the least avail. Knowing but too well, by the flame hovering above the cradle, what had happened to the Princess, a band of the most trustworthy and faithful fairies set themselves as a guard about her, lest the one who had done this wicked deed might seek to approach and do further harm, if that were possible.
It was not until all the other fairies were gathered in the room that the Earth Fairy appeared, with Spark close at her side, guarding her lest she should try to escape. But the Earth Fairy made no attempt to do this. When she entered the room she seemed to be overwhelmed by surprise at what she saw, and to be the most grief-stricken of them all.